Two subtropical cyclones struck the Hawaiian Islands in succession during March, generating widespread flash flooding across multiple islands including Oʻahu. The storms represented an unusual weather pattern for the region during this time of year.
The cyclones, referred to as Kona storms, brought heavy rainfall that overwhelmed drainage systems and created dangerous flooding conditions. The back-to-back nature of the storm systems compounded the flooding impact as saturated ground from the first storm was unable to absorb additional rainfall from the second system.